Pocock returns to Brumbies XV for for ‘Canes clash

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Cape Town - Brumbies boss Dan McKellar has made four changes to the side
that beat the Chiefs in stunning fashion at GIO Stadium last weekend for their clash against the Hurricanes in Wellington on Friday.

Kick-off is at 08:35 SA time.

2019 recruit Pete Samu is set to make his run-on debut for
the Brumbies at six alongside David Pocock, who is fit enough to rejoin
the starting XV.

In what is a clear indication of the Brumbies strength and depth,
Scott Sio comes in for James Slipper at loosehead prop having gained
some match fitness off the pine the past two weeks.

Sio will form a familiar looking front-row with fellow internationals
Folau Fainga’a and Allan Alaalatoa, who start at hooker and tighthead,
respectively.

Slipper, one of the Brumbies’ best performers to date this season, is
named in the finishing group and will likely play a pivotal role from
the reserves.

At lock, Blake Enever swaps with Sam Carter to partner Rory Arnold in
the second-row, following some key impacts off the bench so far in
2019.

Darcy Swain earns Enever’s place in the replacements after impressing
in the pre-season and with the Canberra Vikings in the National Rugby
Championship.

Joining Samu and Pocock in the loose forwards is Lachlan McCaffrey at No 8. His play and leadership has caught the eye of Brumbies
fans this season and will look to link up with an exciting Brumbies
backline, which is unchanged for Round 3.

Joe Powell drove the Brumbies pack all day against the Chiefs and
renews his partnership with Brumbies skipper Christian Lealiifano.

Irae Simone and Tevita Kuridrani start once again in the centres,
Kuridrani having bagged a brace of tries from 13 at GIO Stadium.

Andy Muirhead and Chance Peni are retained on the wings and at fullback is the impressive Tom Banks.

In the replacements, Josh Mann-Rea will provide cover at hooker with
Leslie Leuluaialii-Makin taking his place as the tighthead prop reserve.

Tom Cusack reverts to the bench this week with Pocock’s inclusion
after being one of the Brumbies’ standout performers the previous week.

The rest of the replacements remain unchanged with Matt Lucas,
Wharenui Hawera and Tom Wright providing some potentially crucial spark
for the backline.